Jesus describes his disciple as one who denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows him.
This call is not an easy saying to live or to understand. It produces the same confusion that confronts a believer in calling the day on which Jesus was brutally tortured and crucified “Good Friday.” Good Friday challenges Christians not to look away from the evil in the world nor from the suffering endured to overcome it. This day challenges believers to say a resounding ‘yes’ to the suffering Christ experienced for their sakes, even saying ‘yes’ to the suffering in their own lives for the salvation of the world.
With this purpose, the Jesuit High School community participates each year in the Nine Churches Walk. Participants visit churches rooted in New Orleans history and garnished with striking architecture and walk in pilgrimage imitating the way of the cross endured by Jesus. At each church participants are invited to listen to a brief history of the parish given by pilgrimage historian Brandon Briscoe ’98. The group then prays one or two of the Stations of the Cross, accompanied by reflections composed in 2005 by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. After a few moments of prayer in the church, the group makes its way to the next station church.
Pilgrimage Details
The Ignatian year route begins at Holy Name of Jesus Church (part of Loyola University). This year we will gather with Loyola University students to walk the new route ending at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church.
Each station within this app will begin with an introduction from Brandon Briscoe, class of 1998, who will detail the church’s unique history and architectural features. The text for each station can be found below the video, followed by a map to the next station.
Although Good Friday is a fasting day, participants may choose to bring a light snack and water for the walk. It is also recommended to check the weather forecast for the appropriate dress, noting that sunscreen or a hat may be helpful. Participants should also be prepared to walk 5-6 miles through the course of the morning. The walk ends at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church around 1:30 p.m., and participants should arrange their own ride back to their vehicles after the walk.